Words / C2

BLAND-ishm-uh-nt/ˈblændɪʃmənt/

A blandishment is flattering or coaxing speech used to persuade (often plural: blandishments): resist blandishments, a blandishment of praise. To cajole (already in the dictionary) is to persuade by sweet talk — the verb cousin. Unctuous (already in the dictionary) is oily and insincere, of manner; a sycophant (already in the dictionary) is the person who flatters for gain. Copy about care is not a named medic.

Meaning

Flattering or coaxing speech used to persuade (often plural: blandishments).

Examples

• “Blandishments about “care” are not a named first-aider.”
• “To cajole is to persuade by sweet talk (already in C2). Unctuous is oily praise (already in C2). A sycophant flatters for gain (already in C2). Feeling on the page can be exact. Feeling instead of a rota is a hole. Write the name; then the verse.”

Good to know

Flattering coaxing (often plural). Verb cousin: cajole (already in C2). Contrast: unctuous (already in C2); sycophant (already in C2). Copy ≠ a first-aider.

Near in meaning

flattery, coaxing, wheedling, sweet talk

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